Lionel Messi is one of the most iconic and popular athletes in the world. He’s won numerous awards, including five Ballon D’Or Trophies, three FIFA World Player of the Year Awards, and one UEFA Champions League Golden Ball.
No wonder then that Messi is anxiously awaiting his Champions League debut with Bayern Munich. The game will take place on February 18th at 8 PM CET, and Messi will be available for selection. If you want to follow along with all the excitement, be sure to check out our live blog to get the latest updates!
Messi to be available for Bayern game
Lionel Messi will be available to play in Bayern Munich’s Champions League game against Barcelona on Tuesday, according to the Bundesliga club’s head coach Niko Kovac. The Argentine forward has missed the last two games due to a hamstring injury but is now fit and ready to face his former team. “Yes, Lionel Messi will play,” Kovac told reporters after his side’s 1-1 draw against Werder Bremen on Saturday. “He trained yesterday and today.” Messi helped Barcelona win four La Liga titles and three Champions League crowns during his time at the Camp Nou, but he left for Bayern in 2017. He helped the Bavarians claim their fourth consecutive Bundesliga title this season.
Messi to miss Copa America
On Monday night, Lionel Messi announced that he will miss the Copa America tournament this summer. The Argentinian star was expected to feature for his country in the tournament which runs from June 14-July 3, but now Barcelona have confirmed that Messi will be unavailable to play due to a muscle tear in his calf.
Messi’s absence is a huge blow for Argentina, who are grouped with Chile, Peru and Ecuador in Group B. His injury could also cost Barcelona their chance of winning the Champions League as they face Bayern Munich in their opening game.
The Catalan giant has already lost Neymar for the competition due to an international call-up and now this news casts further doubt over their prospects. Messi finished last season as league champion and Cup runner-up, so he’s clearly not content with just one title.
Copa America Quarterfinals: Barcelona vs. Atlético Madrid
The Lionel Messi vs. Bayern Munich Champions League matchup will have a significant impact on the Copa America quarterfinals. Barcelona currently leads Group A with 4 points, but if they lose, their qualification for the semifinals is in serious jeopardy.
On the other hand, Atlético Madrid is second in the group with 2 points behind Barcelona. If they win their game against Barça and also beat Valencia in their final match, they would qualify for the semifinals with 3 points.
This is a huge game for both teams as it could mean a place in next year’s Champions League or even more importantly, qualifying for the Copa America semifinal. While Bayern may be considered favorites going into this match, anything can happen in football and we’ll see who comes out on top Sunday night.
Messi out for Copa America with injury
Lionel Messi will miss Copa America with an injury, though Barcelona hope to have him back for the Champions League game against Bayern Munich. The Argentina captain was taken off in the second half of their 3-1 win over Ecuador on Saturday with a knee injury and tests later revealed a tear in his meniscus.
Messi is expected to be out for around six weeks, leaving him unable to play in either competition. “The aim is that he’s available for the game against Bayern Munich,” said assistant coach Gerardo Martino after the match. Messi has been ruled out of both Copa America and the World Cup this summer due to fractured ribs, but Barca have been hopeful that playing regularly would help him regain full fitness ahead of next year’s tournament.
Bayern Munich v Barcelona: Preview and Prediction
The Bavarians will be looking to continue their unbeaten streak in all competitions when they take on the Catalans in the Champions League. Pep Guardiola’s side have been dominant this season, but they are up against a Barcelona side that still have a lot of quality in their squad. Messi is likely to miss out due to injury, but La Liga leaders Barca should still be able to come away with a victory. Bayern Munich are likely to field Douglas Costa at left back instead of David Alaba who is sidelined with an ankle injury.
Barcelona’s chances without Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi will miss Barcelona’s first game of the Champions League after being ruled out for four weeks with a recurrence of his hamstring injury. The Argentine was injured during the Copa America tournament which ended on June 26th. This means that he will be unavailable for the game against Bayern Munich on September 18th. Barcelona have already been eliminated from the competition and without their key player, it is difficult to see them making it through to the knockout stages.
With Neymar also sidelined, Barcelona may struggle to create chances against one of the strongest defences in Europe. In his absence, Pedro will likely be given more responsibilty in attack alongside Ousmane Dembele and Andres Iniesta. Barca rely heavily on Messi for goals and creativity so his loss could prove to be costly.
Conclusion
Barcelona and Bayern Munich will face off in the Champions League final on May 26th. Ahead of the game, many are wondering if Lionel Messi will be available due to a thigh injury he sustained earlier this month. Manager Ernesto Valverde said that Messi is “disappointed” because he wanted to play in the final but understands his limitations. With or without Messi, Barcelona should still have an edge against a Bayern side that has been struggling recently.